Until what age does a mother keep custody of her children in the UAE?

Under the UAE Personal Status Law, a mother's period of custody (hadanah) runs until the child reaches an age set by law, after which custody may transfer or the child's own preference can be considered, all subject to the child's best interests. The specific age thresholds, and the point at which a child may choose which parent to live with, are defined in the Personal Status Law and have been updated in recent reforms, so you should confirm the current age limits with the competent Personal Status Court or official UAE sources rather than relying on older figures. For non-Muslim residents, the Civil Personal Status framework can apply different age rules and may lean toward shared arrangements. Importantly, custody is not automatic at any age, the court can continue, end, or vary it based on welfare, stability, and the conduct of each parent. Because the figures change and depend on your family's circumstances, it is worth confirming current thresholds through the court and comparing verified UAE family law professionals on LEXAI.